Methods, systems, and products for interfacing with powerline networks

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for interfacing with a power line network. Electrical power is received from a source, and a voltage of the electrical power is monitored. When the voltage is inadequate, then an alternate power source is automatically connected. A frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source is monitored, and high frequency data signals are separated from low frequency power signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/013,227, filed Dec. 15, 2004 and entitled “Network Interface Device”(Attorney Docket 040230), now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,262,695, andincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figurescontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

This application generally relates to communications and, moreparticularly, to communications systems sending signals over a powerline.

Computer networking is changing. In the past, computer networkingrequired numerous hardwire physical connections between computers,servers, routers, printers, telephones, and other devices. Years offrustration with these hardwire connections spawned the maxim “it'salways the physical connection”—meaning many problems were caused byloose or poor cabling. Today, however, a new networking technology isbeing developed that requires few, if any, cables and wires. This newnetworking technology sends data and other signals over existingelectrical wiring. That is, the user simply plugs the computer deviceinto an electrical outlet, and the computer device receives bothelectrical power and data via the outlet. This new networking technologyis generally termed “power line carrier-based networking,” and itpromises to simplify computer networking.

What is needed, however, is a network interface device that utilizespower line carrier-based networking.” A network interface device, asthose of ordinary skill in the art understand, provides a demarcationbetween a communications network and a customer's internal wiring. Thisnetwork interface device would provide an interface between the externalcommunications network and the customer's home or business power linecarrier-based network. As data is sent and received between thecustomer's power line carrier-based network and the externalcommunications network, protocols and standards conversions may berequired. A network interface device that could perform theseconversions would provide broadband data services to the mass market.

SUMMARY

The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced, accordingto exemplary embodiments, by a power line carrier-based networkinterface device. This network interface device acts as a gateway to acommunications network and to a power line network. The networkinterface device may be installed at an inside or outside location of acustomer's premises and provides an interface between a communicationsnetwork and the customer's power line network. The network interfacedevice receives electrical power from the customer's circuit breakerdistribution panel and also sends/receives signals/packets from thecustomer's power line network. Because the network interface deviceinterfaces with the customer's power line network, the network interfacedevice establishes a communications service provider as an integralpartner of the customer's networking infrastructure. If thecommunications service provider also owns and installs the networkinterface device, the communications service provider may remotelymanage and administer the operation of the network interface device.This network interface device, then, removes the installation burdenfrom the customer and strengthens the bond between the service providerand the customer. This network interface device also includes featuresfor ensuring that electrical power is always available and, thus, thecustomer's communications service is infrequently disrupted.

The exemplary embodiments describe a gateway apparatus. The apparatushas an enclosure surrounding a network interface device. The networkinterface device comprises a communications network interface to acommunications network and a powerline network interface to a power linenetwork. A communications module stores in a memory device, a processorcommunicates with the memory device, and the communications moduleprovides gateway services for the communications network and for thepower line network. This power line network is carrier-based anddistributes data signals over existing electrical wiring. This powerline carrier-based network sends information over a 120 volt, 60 Hz (or220 volt, 50 Hz in Europe) electrical power distribution system within abuilding or facility.

According to another embodiment, a method is disclosed for providinggateway services to a customer's premises. This method surrounds anetwork interface device by an enclosure. The network interface deviceinterfaces with a communications network and a power line network. Thenetwork interface device provides gateway services to the communicationsnetwork and to the power line network using a communications modulestored in a memory device and a processor communicating with the memorydevice. The network interface device may modulate and demodulate signalsand perform routing services for forwarding data packets to adestination. The network interface device may also divide low frequencysignals and high frequency signals, provide network addresstranslations, and provide Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol functions.The network interface device connects to an electrical power source forthe processor and for the memory device. The network interface devicealso monitors voltage available from the electrical power source and,when the electrical power source is inadequate, automatically connectsan alternate power source to the network interface device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplaryembodiments are better understood when the following DetailedDescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an operating environment, accordingto the exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic of a network interface device shown inFIG. 1, according to the exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the network interface device shown in FIGS.1 and 2, according to the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The reader shouldrecognize, however, that the invention may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, allstatements herein reciting exemplary embodiments of the invention, aswell as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass bothstructural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it isintended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalentsas well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elementsdeveloped that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methodsembodying the exemplary embodiments. The functions of the variouselements shown in the figures may be provided through the use ofdedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associatedsoftware. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptualonly. Their function may be carried out through the operation of programlogic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of programcontrol and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular techniquebeing selectable by the entity implementing the exemplary embodiments.Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplaryhardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systemsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are notintended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer.

The exemplary embodiments describe a power line carrier-based networkinterface device. This network interface device acts as a gateway to acommunications network and to a power line network. The networkinterface device may be installed at an inside or outside location of acustomer's premises and provides an interface between a communicationsnetwork and the customer's power line network. The network interfacedevice may receive electrical power from the customer's circuit breakerdistribution panel and also sends/receives signals/packets from thecustomer's power line network. Because the network interface deviceinterfaces with the customer's power line network, the network interfacedevice establishes a communications service provider as an integralpartner of the customer's networking infrastructure. If thecommunications service provider also owns and installs the networkinterface device, the communications service provider may remotelymanage and administer the operation of the network interface device.This network interface device, then, removes the installation burdenfrom the customer and strengthens the bond between the service providerand the customer. This network interface device also includes featuresfor ensuring that electrical power is always available and, thus, thecustomer's communications service is infrequently disrupted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an operating environment according tothe exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a network interface device 10operating in a customer's premises 12. The network interface device 10is shown installed on an outside wall 14 of the customer's premises 12,although the network interface device 10 may be installed at anylocation inside or outside of the premises 12. The network interfacedevice 10 interfaces with a communications network 16 and with a powerline carrier-based network 18. The network interface device 10 providesgateway services that permit signals and/or packets of data to becommunicated via the communications network 16 and/or the power linenetwork 18.

The communications network 16 may include copper wires, coaxial cables,fiber optic lines, and/or hybrid-coaxial lines. The communicationsnetwork 16 may operate in the radio-frequency domain and/or the InternetProtocol (IP) domain. The communications network 16 may include adistributed computing network, such as the Internet (sometimesalternatively known as the “World Wide Web”), an intranet, a local-areanetwork (LAN), and/or a wide-area network (WAN). The communicationsnetwork 16 may even include wireless portions utilizing any portion ofthe electromagnetic spectrum and any signaling standard (such as thevarious cellular standards CDMA, TDMA, GSM, the industrial, scientific,and medical band, and/or the I.E.E.E. 802 family of standards).

The power line network 18 is carrier-based. That is, the power linenetwork 18 distributes signals via electrical wiring installed withinthe customer's premises 12. This power line carrier-based network 18typically sends information over a 120 volt, 60 Hz (or 220 volt, 50 Hzin Europe) electrical power distribution system within the customer'spremises 12. The power line network 18, however, may distribute signalsat any voltage and/or at any frequency. As FIG. 1 shows, electricservice is distributed to the customer's premises 12 via electricservice wires 20. These electric service wires 20 deliver electricalpower from an electrical utility service provider (not shown forsimplicity). The electric service wires 20 connect to an electric powermeter 22. The electric power meter 22 monitors electrical usage of thecustomer's premises 12. The network interface device 10 includes aconnection 24 to electric to provide electrical power. The networkinterface device 10 may be connected to the electric power meter 22, oran electrical outlet 26 may be proximally located near the installationlocation of the network interface device 10. The network interfacedevice 10, as will be further explained, preferably connects to an“always on” electric power source, such that the network interfacedevice 10 can receive signals, and be monitored, regardless of thecustomer's electric service account status.

The power line network 18 distributes signals via electrical wiring.These signals communicate via copper/aluminum wires 28 from a circuitbreaker distribution panel 30 to electrical outlets 32, an HVAC unit 34,and appliances (such as a water heater 36). Various devices plugged intothe electrical outlets 32 receive the signals (such as the packets ofdata). If the packets of data are addressed to the device, the deviceaccepts and interprets the packets of data. As FIG. 1 shows, a computer38, a printer 40, an audio system 42, a telephone 44, and other devicesmay receive both electrical power and packets of data via power linenetwork 18. The power line network 18 may even include wireless portionsand access points providing wireless communications with devices.Because the power line network 18 is known, this patent will not furtherdescribe the power line network 18.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic of the network interface device 10shown in FIG. 1, according to the exemplary embodiments. The networkinterface device 10 has an all-weather enclosure 46 sheltering one ormore circuit boards 48. The one or more circuit boards 46 comprise aprocessor 50 communicating with a memory device 52, a communicationsnetwork interface 54 to the communications network (shown as referencenumeral 16 in FIG. 1), a power line network interface 56 to the powerline network (shown as reference numeral 18 in FIG. 1), and acommunications module 58 stored in the memory device 52. Thecommunications network interface 54 brokers transmissions of data to andfrom the communications network, while the power line network interface56 brokers transmissions of data to and from the power line network. Thecommunications module 58 is a computer program that provides gatewayservices for the communications network and for the power line network.An access door 60 provides access to the internal componentry of thenetwork interface device 10.

FIG. 2 also shows additional components. The network interface device 10may include a modem 62 modulating and demodulating signals sent and/orreceived via the communications network and/or the power line network(shown, respectively, as reference numerals 16 and 18 in FIG. 1). Thecommunications module 58 may also perform routing functions 64 thatforward data packets to a proper destination via the communicationsnetwork and/or the power line network. The network interface device 10may include a splitter 66 that divides low frequency signals and highfrequency signals (such as when a digital subscriber line providesaccess to the communications network). The communications module 58 mayalso perform server functions 68 that provide data files to thecommunications network interface and/or the power line networkinterface. The communications module 58 may also provide network addresstranslation (NAT) functions 70 and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol(DHCP) functions 72. As those of ordinary skill in the art understand,Network Address Translation is software and/or hardware that convertsthe IP address from a private address to a public address real time. NATis used in home networks and corporations to allow multiple PCs toaccess the internet via T-1, ADSL, SDSL or Cable Modem. As those ofordinary skill in the art also understand, Dynamic Host ConfigurationProtocol is a protocol that lets network administrators centrally manageand automate the assignment of IP Addresses in a network. DHCP lets anetwork administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from acentral point and automatically sends a new IP address when anaddressable device is plugged into the power line network.

The network interface device 10 also includes the connection 24 toelectrical power. Because the network interface device 10 would becomeinoperative during an electrical disruption, the network interfacedevice 10 may include means 74 for switching to an alternate powersource 76. The means 74 for switching to an alternate power source mayinclude a transfer switch that automatically connects the alternatepower source 76 to the network interface device 10. Should electricalpower from the service provider be interrupted, the alternate powersource 76 (such as a generator, solar cells, fuel cell, and/or battery)is selected to provide a source of alternate electricity. The means 74for switching to the alternate power source, however, may include amanually-operated transfer switch that connects the alternate powersource 76 to the network interface device 10. The communications module58 may alternatively or additionally monitor the electric power (voltageand current) available from the electric service provider. When theelectrical power is inadequate (such as during an interruption), thecommunications module 58 may include computer instructions that causethe alternate power source 76 to be automatically connected to thenetwork interface device 10. The communications module 58 mayalternatively or additionally monitor the frequency of the electricalpower provided by the alternate power source 76 to separate highfrequency data signals from low frequency power signals. Thecommunications module 58 monitors the frequency of the electrical powerprovided by the alternate power source 76 to reduce back-feedingelectrical power.

FIG. 3 depicts another possible operating environment for the exemplaryembodiments. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the network interface device10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As FIG. 3 shows, the communications module 58operates within the system memory device 52. The communications module58 is shown residing in a memory subsystem 78, although thecommunications module 58 could also reside in flash memory 80, in aperipheral storage device 82, in firmware or hardware, and/or in anycombination. The network interface device 10 also has one or morecentral processors 84 executing an operating system. The operatingsystem, as is well known, has a set of instructions that control theinternal functions of the network interface device 10. A system bus 86communicates signals, such as data signals, control signals, and addresssignals, between the central processor 84 and a system controller 88(typically called a “Northbridge”). The system controller 88 provides abridging function between the one or more central processors 68, agraphics subsystem 90, the memory subsystem 78, and a PCI (PeripheralController Interface) bus 92. The PCI bus 92 is controlled by aPeripheral Bus Controller 94. The Peripheral Bus Controller 94(typically called a “Southbridge”) is an integrated circuit that servesas an input/output hub for various peripheral ports. These peripheralports are shown including a keyboard port 96, a mouse port 98, a serialport 100 and/or a parallel port 102 for a video display unit, one ormore external device ports 104, and networking ports 106 (such as SCSIor Ethernet). The Peripheral Bus Controller 94 may also include an audiosubsystem 108. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that theprogram, processes, methods, and systems described in this patent arenot limited to any particular computer system or computer hardware.

The processors 84 may be implemented with a digital signal processor(DSP) and/or a microprocessor. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., forexample, manufactures a full line of microprocessors (Advanced MicroDevices, Inc., One AMD Place, P.O. Box 3453, Sunnyvale, Calif.94088-3453, 408.732.2400, 800.538.8450, www.amd.com). The IntelCorporation also manufactures a family of microprocessors (IntelCorporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, Calif. 95052-8119,408.765.8080, www.intel.com). Other manufacturers also offermicroprocessors. Such other manufacturers include Motorola, Inc. (1303East Algonquin Road, P.O. Box A3309 Schaumburg, Ill. 60196,www.Motorola.com), International Business Machines Corp. (New OrchardRoad, Armonk, N.Y. 10504, (914) 499-1900, www.ibm.com), and TransmetaCorp. (3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, Calif. 95054,www.transmeta.com). Texas Instruments offers a wide variety of digitalsignal processors (Texas Instruments, Incorporated, P.O. Box 660199,Dallas, Tex. 75266-0199, Phone: 972-995-2011, www.ti.com) as well asMotorola (Motorola, Incorporated, 1303 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg,Ill. 60196, Phone 847-576-5000, www.motorola.com). There are, in fact,many manufacturers and designers of digital signal processors,microprocessors, controllers, and other componentry that are describedin this patent. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that thiscomponentry may be implemented using any suitable design, architecture,and manufacture. Those of ordinary skill in the art, then understandthat this invention is not limited to any particular manufacturer'scomponent, nor architecture, nor manufacture.

A preferred operating system, according to an exemplary embodiment, isthe UNIX® operating system (UNIX® is a registered trademark of the OpenSource Group, www.opensource.org). Other UNIX-based operating systems,however, are also suitable, such as LINUX® or a RED HAT® LINUX-basedsystem (LINUX® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds, and RED HAT®is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc., Research Triangle Park,N.C., 1-888-733-4281, www.redhat.com). Other operating systems, however,are also suitable. Such other operating systems would include aWINDOWS-based operating system (WINDOWS® is a registered trademark ofMicrosoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond Wash. 98052-6399,425.882.8080, www.Microsoft.com). and Mac® OS (Mac® is a registeredtrademark of Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif.95014, 408.996.1010, www.apple.com). Example operating systems of IPnetwork elements including IP routers/switches/hubs/gateways/proxiesinclude Cisco IOS (Internet Operating System), Vxworks, variousproprietary OS's, and variations of UNIX. Those of ordinary skill in theart again understand that the program, processes, methods, and systemsdescribed herein are not limited to any particular operating system.

The system memory device (shown as memory subsystem 78, flash memory 80,or peripheral storage device 82) may also contain an applicationprogram. The application program cooperates with the operating systemand with a video display unit (via the serial port 100 and/or theparallel port 102) to provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI). TheGraphical User Interface typically includes a combination of signalscommunicated along the keyboard port 96 and the mouse port 98. TheGraphical User Interface provides a convenient visual and/or audibleinterface with a technician/user of the network interface device 10. Thenetwork interface device 10 may further include one or more encoders,one or more decoders, input/output control, logic, one or morereceivers/transmitters/transceivers, one or more clock generators, oneor more Ethernet/LAN interfaces, one or more analog-to-digitalconverters, one or more digital-to-analog converters, one or more“Firewire” interfaces, and/or one or more PCMCIA interfaces. Those ofordinary skill in the art understand that the program, processes,methods, and systems described herein are not limited to any particulararchitecture or hardware.

The exemplary embodiments may include a computer program product. Thecomputer program product stores computer-readable instructions on acomputer-readable medium. This computer-readable medium may includeCD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, andlarge-capacity disk (such as IOMEGA®, ZIP®, JAZZ®, and otherlarge-capacity memory products (IOMEGA®, ZIP®, and JAZZ® are registeredtrademarks of Iomega Corporation, 1821 W. Iomega Way, Roy, Utah 84067,801.332.1000, www.iomega.com). This computer-readable medium, or media,could be distributed to end-users, licensees, and assignees. These typesof computer-readable media, and other types not mention here butconsidered within the scope of the embodiments, allow easy disseminationof the exemplary embodiments. A computer program product providinggateway services includes computer-readable instructions stored on thecomputer-readable medium. The instructions interface with acommunications network and with a power line network and provide gatewayservices to the communications network and to the power line network.The voltage available from an electrical power source is monitored and,when the electrical power source is inadequate, the instructionsautomatically connect an alternate power source. The frequency of thealternate power source is monitored, and high frequency data signals areseparated from low frequency power signals.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Othervariations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A method, comprising: interfacing with a power line network to brokerthe transmission of signals to and from the power line network;receiving electrical power from a source; monitoring a voltage of theelectrical power received from the source; when the voltage isinadequate, then automatically connecting an alternate power source;monitoring a frequency of electrical power provided by the alternatepower source; and separating high frequency data signals from lowfrequency power signals.
 2. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising interfacing with a communications network to broker thetransmission of data to and from the communications network.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein receiving the electrical power fromthe source comprises receiving the electrical power from an electricaldistribution panel.
 4. The method according to claim 1, whereinreceiving the electrical power from the source comprises receiving theelectrical power from an electrical power meter.
 5. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein receiving the electrical power from the sourcecomprises receiving the electrical power from an electrical outlet. 6.The method according to claim 1, further comprising remotely monitoringthe voltage of the electrical power received from the source.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising remotely monitoring thefrequency of the electrical power provided by the alternate powersource.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at leastone of modulating and demodulating signals.
 9. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising forwarding data packets to a destination.10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising dividing lowfrequency signals and high frequency signals.
 11. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising converting an IP address.
 12. A system,comprising: means for interfacing with a power line network to brokerthe transmission of signals to and from the power line network; meansfor receiving electrical power from a source; means for monitoring avoltage of the electrical power received from the source; when thevoltage is inadequate, then means for automatically connecting analternate power source; means for monitoring a frequency of electricalpower provided by the alternate power source; and means for separatinghigh frequency data signals from low frequency power signals.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 12, further comprising means for interfacingwith a communications network to broker the transmission of data to andfrom the communications network.
 14. The system according to claim 12,further comprising means for receiving the electrical power from anelectrical distribution panel.
 15. The system according to claim 12,further comprising means for receiving the electrical power from anelectrical power meter.
 16. The system according to claim 12, furthercomprising means for receiving the electrical power from an electricaloutlet.
 17. The system according to claim 12, further comprising meansfor remotely monitoring the voltage of the electrical power receivedfrom the source.
 18. The system according to claim 12, furthercomprising means for remotely monitoring the frequency of the electricalpower provided by the alternate power source.
 19. A computer programproduct comprising processor executable instructions for performing amethod, the method comprising: interfacing with a power line network tobroker the transmission of signals to and from the power line network;receiving electrical power from a source; monitoring a voltage of theelectrical power received from the source; when the voltage isinadequate, then automatically connecting an alternate power source;monitoring a frequency of electrical power provided by the alternatepower source; and separating high frequency data signals from lowfrequency power signals.
 20. The computer program product according toclaim 19, further comprising: remotely monitoring the voltage of theelectrical power received from the source; and remotely monitoring thefrequency of the electrical power provided by the alternate powersource.